Princess Sara (Saaraa) Maldives Liveaboard: Exclusive Group Charter Guide
Embark on an unparalleled Maldivian adventure by chartering the entire Princess Sara (Saaraa) liveaboard, a luxurious 40-meter vessel designed for comfort and world-class diving. At aMaldives, we specialise in curating bespoke group charters, offering you the ultimate private escape for dive clubs, corporate teams, family reunions, and milestone celebrations. Forget crowded resorts and fixed schedules – with the Princess Sara, your dream Maldives itinerary becomes a reality.
Overview — Exclusive Charter of Princess Sara (Saaraa)
Opting for a full charter of the Princess Sara liveaboard elevates your Maldives experience beyond what individual berth bookings can offer. Imagine having a luxurious 40-meter yacht, complete with a dedicated crew, gourmet dining, and a state-of-the-art dive dhoni, entirely at your group's disposal. This is the essence of the 'your boat, your rules' philosophy that a full charter provides.
Rather than navigating different booking platforms and coordinating multiple individual reservations, a group charter simplifies the entire process. It ensures privacy, exclusivity, and the freedom to tailor your itinerary to your group's specific desires – whether that means spending extra time at a favourite dive site, arranging a special beach BBQ, or hosting a corporate workshop onboard. This is more than just a trip; it's a private expedition crafted by you, for you.
The Princess Sara is perfectly suited for:
- Dive Clubs & Groups: Experience unparalleled access to the Maldives' best dive sites, with the flexibility to choose your own schedule and dive briefings tailored to your members' skill levels.
- Corporate Retreats & Incentives: Foster team cohesion and reward employees with a unique, luxurious, and inspiring environment, away from the distractions of the office.
- Friend Groups & Family Reunions: Create unforgettable memories with your closest circle in a private, intimate setting, enjoying shared adventures and celebrations.
- Milestone Celebrations: Whether it's a significant birthday, anniversary, or even a unique stag/hen party, the Princess Sara provides a spectacular backdrop for any special occasion.
The Vessel
The Princess Sara (Saaraa) is a magnificent 40-meter (131-foot) liveaboard that blends traditional Maldivian boat-building charm with modern luxury and functionality. Her expansive design ensures ample space for all 27 guests, providing both social areas and quiet retreats for relaxation. The vessel is thoughtfully laid out across multiple decks, maximising comfort and the breathtaking Maldivian views.
The main deck houses a stylish, air-conditioned saloon, serving as the primary indoor communal space. Here, guests can relax on comfortable sofas, read, or socialise in a cool environment. Adjacent to the saloon is the elegant dining area, where delicious meals are served buffet-style, catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. For those who enjoy a refreshing drink, a well-stocked bar is also available.
Above, the expansive sun deck is a highlight, offering numerous loungers for sunbathing and enjoying the tropical breeze. A luxurious Jacuzzi provides the perfect spot for unwinding after a day of diving or exploring. For entertainment, each air-conditioned cabin is equipped with a TV, while suites include a minibar for added convenience. Wi-Fi is available onboard for a fee, keeping you connected during your voyage.
The Princess Sara truly sets itself apart with its impressive array of watersports equipment, including an inflatable waterslide, kayaks, and Stand Up Paddleboards available for guest use. For an additional thrill, a Jet Ski is also available for a fee. The vessel's dedicated dive dhoni ensures seamless dive operations, allowing the main boat to remain calm and uncluttered.
Cabin Configuration & Group Sharing
The Princess Sara liveaboard is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 27 guests in 14 beautifully appointed, air-conditioned cabins, each featuring an en-suite bathroom. This configuration is perfectly suited for groups, offering flexibility for different guest pairings within your charter.
The vessel's cabins are configured as follows:
- 8 Double Cabins: These cabins are ideal for couples, each featuring a comfortable double or queen-sized bed, providing a private and romantic retreat.
- 5 Twin Cabins: Perfect for friends, colleagues, or siblings sharing, these cabins are equipped with two single beds, ensuring individual comfort.
- 1 Suite Cabin: Often configured as a double, offering additional space and a minibar. This also counts towards the total 14 cabins.
For a full charter, the Princess Sara accommodates a minimum of 27 guests, filling all 14 cabins with two guests per cabin. Our booking model is designed to facilitate groups of 20+ (friends, colleagues, dive clubs, corporate entities) who wish to enjoy the exclusivity of the entire boat.
| Cabin Type | Count | Ideal For | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | 8 | Couples | 2 guests |
| Twin Cabin | 5 | Friends sharing | 2 guests |
| Total full charter | 27 guests | ||
Diving & Marine Life
The Maldives is renowned as one of the world's premier diving destinations, and the Princess Sara (Saaraa) is your luxurious gateway to its underwater wonders. With up to 3 dives offered per day, including thrilling night dives, your group will have ample opportunity to explore the vibrant reefs and encounter an incredible diversity of marine life. Nitrox is available for certified divers, allowing for extended bottom times and safer multi-day diving.
The Princess Sara operates comprehensive routes across the Central, Southern, and Northern Atolls, ensuring access to a vast array of dive sites. Some of the top dive sites you might explore include:
- Miyaru Faru (Shark Reef): A renowned channel dive famous for its resident grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks.
- Alimatha Jetty: A spectacular night dive known for its aggregations of nurse sharks and rays, offering incredible close encounters.
- Kandooma Thila: A marine protected area bursting with schooling fish, reef sharks, and strong currents that attract pelagics.
- Maamigili: Located in the South Ari Atoll, this area is a hotspot for encountering the majestic whale sharks, especially during certain seasons.
- Felidhoo Channels: Drift dives offering encounters with various sharks, eagle rays, and schooling fish as you glide through the atoll passages.
- Fesdhoo Wreck: A fascinating wreck teeming with marine life, including moray eels, glassfish, and potentially manta rays.
Expected marine encounters vary by season and atoll, but throughout your journey, you can anticipate seeing magnificent manta rays, gentle whale sharks, various species of reef sharks (Grey reef, Whitetip), impressive hammerheads, graceful eagle rays, elusive moray eels, the majestic Napoleon Wrasse, and vast schools of colourful reef fish.
The diving experience on Princess Sara is meticulously managed. Daily dive briefings are thorough, provided by experienced, professional dive guides who know these waters intimately. Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included, with full BCD, regulator, and wetsuit rental available for a fee. Dedicated compressors ensure reliable tank fills, and a camera rinse tank is provided for underwater photographers and videographers, offering excellent opportunities to capture the stunning Maldivian underwater world.
Routes & Itineraries
The Princess Sara offers unparalleled flexibility in its itineraries, navigating through the most iconic and biodiverse regions of the Maldives. Depending on the season and your group's preferences, the vessel explores the Central, Southern, and Northern Atolls, each offering unique diving and cultural experiences.
Key Operating Routes:
- Central Atolls: This popular route typically includes North Male, South Male, Ari Atoll, Felidhoo (Vaavu). These atolls are famous for their vibrant thilas, channels, and a high probability of encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and various reef sharks. Dive sites like Kandooma Thila, Maamigili, and Felidhoo channels are staples of this route.
- Southern Atolls: For those seeking more adventurous and less-frequented dive sites, the Southern Atolls (Huvadhoo, Addu, Laamu, Meemu, Thaa) offer pristine reefs, strong currents, and a higher chance of pelagic encounters, including hammerhead sharks and large schools of fish.
- Northern Atolls: These atolls provide a different flavour of Maldivian diving, often showcasing vast, untouched coral gardens and unique topography, ideal for exploring different marine ecosystems.
Seasonal Variations & Highlights:
The best months for a Princess Sara charter are generally from November through May, when the weather is typically dry, and underwater visibility is excellent.
- Manta Ray Aggregations: While mantas can be found year-round, specific seasons and atolls offer higher probabilities for large aggregations, particularly in the Central Atolls.
- Whale Shark Season: The South Ari Atoll (Maamigili) is a prime location for whale shark encounters, especially during certain phases of the moon and seasons, offering incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- Hammerhead Sharks: More common in the deeper waters of the Southern and Northern Atolls, particularly during specific times of the year, offering an exhilarating challenge for experienced divers.
Typical 7-Day Itinerary (Flexible with full charter):
While a full charter grants you the ultimate flexibility, a typical 7-day schedule might look like this:
- Day 1: Arrival & Boarding: Transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE) to the Princess Sara, welcome briefing, and potentially a check dive.
- Day 2-6: Diving & Exploration: Enjoy 3 dives per day across various atolls, interspersed with island visits, beach BBQs, and watersports activities. Night dives are offered when suitable.
- Day 7: Last Dives & Departure: One or two morning dives, followed by lunch, then transfer back to MLE for your departure.
What's Included in Your Charter
An exclusive full charter of the Princess Sara liveaboard through aMaldives offers a comprehensive package designed for ultimate comfort and adventure. Your group's charter typically includes:
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks throughout the day)
- Unlimited soft drinks, water, coffee/tea
- Up to 3 dives per day, plus night dives (where possible)
- Tanks, weights, weight belts
- Expert dive guide and daily briefings
- Snorkelling excursions for non-divers or between dives
- Use of kayaks and tender boat
- Airport (MLE) and island transfers
- Beach BBQ (weather permitting)
Please note: Wi-Fi, Jet Ski usage, laundry service, and rental of full dive equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit) are available for an additional fee.
Charter Pricing
Exclusive Full Charter — 27 Guests / 7 Nights
Pricing is per full boat charter. Split 27 ways, a full charter works out to exceptional per-person value — far less than booking a luxury resort for the same duration.
| Season | Charter Rate | Per Cabin (2 sharing) | Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (May–Oct) | Contact for rates | Contact for rates | Contact for rates |
| High Season (Nov–Apr) | Contact for rates | Contact for rates | Contact for rates |
Request Charter Rates → We'll respond within 24 hours with current availability and pricing.
aMaldives Expert Verdict
Our Expert Says: The Princess Sara liveaboard is an exceptional choice for groups seeking a balance of luxury, adventure, and comfort in the Maldives. We think it's perfectly suited for dive clubs and corporate groups who appreciate the dedicated dive dhoni and extensive watersports for both divers and non-divers. In our view, while it caters to serious divers with its access to top sites, the plush amenities also make it an ideal choice for those looking for a more relaxed, upscale liveaboard experience rather than a bare-bones dive-focused trip.
— aMaldives Editorial Team, charter specialist review 2026
Who Is This Charter For?
The Princess Sara (Saaraa) liveaboard, when chartered exclusively, offers a versatile and enriching experience tailored to a variety of groups:
- Dive Clubs and Groups of Divers: With its dedicated dive dhoni, professional guides, and access to the Maldives' best dive sites, it's a diver's paradise.
- Corporate Retreats and Incentives: An inspiring environment for team building, unique workshops, or rewarding high-performing teams with an unforgettable luxury experience.
- Milestone Celebrations: Perfect for significant birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or even a sophisticated stag/hen party, offering a private and memorable setting.
- Family Reunions with Dive-Certified Members: Accommodates multi-generational groups with a mix of activities for divers and non-divers, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.
- Professional Dive Photographers and Videographers: The dedicated camera rinse tank and focus on diverse dive sites make it ideal for capturing stunning underwater footage.
How to Book Your Exclusive Charter
Booking your exclusive group charter of the Princess Sara (Saaraa) with aMaldives is a simple and streamlined process, ensuring a hassle-free experience from inquiry to departure:
- Contact aMaldives: Reach out to our charter specialists with your group size (minimum 27 guests), preferred travel dates, and any specific cabin preferences (couples vs. friends sharing).
- Receive Your Proposal: We will promptly confirm the Princess Sara's availability for your requested dates and provide you with a comprehensive full charter proposal, including detailed rates and itinerary options.
- Secure with Deposit: Once you're ready to proceed, a deposit will secure your exclusive charter. We will then handle all subsequent coordination with the vessel operator, managing every detail to ensure your trip is perfectly arranged.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the minimum group size to charter Princess Sara (Saaraa)?
- To charter the entire Princess Sara liveaboard exclusively, a minimum of 27 guests is required. This ensures all 14 cabins are filled, offering the best value for a full boat booking.
- How does cabin sharing work on Princess Sara (Saaraa)?
- The Princess Sara features 8 double cabins, ideal for couples, each with one large bed. There are also 5 twin cabins, perfect for friends or colleagues sharing, each equipped with two single beds. This configuration allows flexibility for your group's specific needs, ensuring comfortable accommodations for all 27 guests.
- Do non-divers enjoy a Maldives liveaboard charter?
- Absolutely! The Princess Sara is well-equipped to cater to non-divers. Onboard amenities include a Jacuzzi, an inflatable waterslide, kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, and ample sun decks for relaxation. Non-divers can also enjoy snorkeling excursions, island visits, and the unique experience of a beach BBQ, making it an ideal choice for mixed groups.
- What is the best time to charter Princess Sara for diving?
- The best months for a Princess Sara charter and diving in the Maldives are typically from November to May. During this period, the weather is generally dry, and underwater visibility is excellent, offering the highest chances for encounters with popular marine life such as manta rays and whale sharks.
- Is dive equipment rental included in the charter rate?
- Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included as part of your Princess Sara charter package. However, full dive equipment rental, including BCDs, regulators, and wetsuits, is available onboard for an additional fee. Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment if preferred.
